Sierra Leone travel advice
Latest updates: Health – editorial update
Last updated: ET
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- Risk level
- Safety and security
- Entry and exit requirements
- Health
- Laws and culture
- Natural disasters and climate
- Need help?
Risk level
Sierra Leone - Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Sierra Leone due to crime.
Safety and security
Political situation
On November 26, 2023, there were violent clashes between security forces and armed groups in Freetown. The situation is currently stable, but tensions remain. Further clashes or civil unrest cannot be ruled out.
Border areas
Border areas are poorly patrolled by local authorities. There is a high level of trans-border military, militia, and criminal activity in the border areas with Guinea and Liberia.
Be vigilant in all border areas, as the security situation could deteriorate suddenly.
Crime
Petty crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently across the country, and has recently increased reportedly due to the rise in drug use. These incidents particularly occur in busy areas, particularly in Freetown, especially in these areas:
- Eastern Freetown
- Lumley roundabout
- Lumley Beach at night
During your trip:
- keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
- don’t show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
- don’t carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
Violent crime
Although incidents are mostly opportunistic, violent crime remains a concern. Armed robberies, carjackings and burglaries have occurred in foreigner’s homes. There is a heightened risk of serious crime after dark.
During your stay:
- avoid going out after dark
- avoid isolated areas
- keep doors and windows locked at all times
- avoid confrontation
- don't resist an attack
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur occasionally. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Terrorism
Sierra Leone has not been targeted by terrorist groups recently, but the country remains vulnerable to terrorist groups active in neighbouring countries. Terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.
Targets could include:
- government buildings
- schools
- places of worship
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Be particularly vigilant during:
- sporting events
- religious holidays
- public celebrations
- major political events, such as election
Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.
Road
Road safety
There are major road safety issues in Sierra Leone. Fatal accidents are common and they often involve pedestrians. Police and emergency services assistance is limited or even unavailable in rural areas.
Road conditions
Road conditions vary throughout the country. Freetown has paved roads and the main roads from Freetown to Makeni or Bo are paved. Most secondary roads are not paved. Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season from April to November, and sometimes near-zero visibility is a risk. In Freetown, steep slopes can be a cause of accidents for poorly maintained cars that are unable to properly brake.
Driving can be dangerous due to:
- poorly maintained vehicles
- poorly maintained road and potholes
- stray livestock
- lack of traffic signs
- pedestrians on the road
- insufficient lighting and vehicles not using their headlights
Driving habits
Drivers do not always respect traffic laws. Speeding is common, especially on the Waterloo-Freetown highway. Pedestrians and other drivers’ right of way are not respected. Drinking and driving is common.
Traffic accidents can quickly draw large and sometimes hostile crowds. Remain calm if there is a dispute, particularly in a public place. If threatened by a large crowd, seek direct intervention from the local police.
If you choose to drive in Sierra Leone:
- always keep doors and windows closed and locked
- always carry a cellphone and charger
- always keep a full tank of gas
- avoid travelling after dark outside of Freetown
- outside Freetown a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended, particularly during the rainy season
- consider renting a car with a hired driver rather than driving yourself
- keep a supply of water and non-perishable snacks
Checkpoints
Police checkpoints are common throughout the country. Only national police officers in uniform have the authority to establish checkpoints.
- Be prepared to show your identification
- Follow the instructions of the police
- Remain calm and courteous
Children and road repair crews often establish unofficial roadblocks to ask for change.
Women safety
Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.
Fraud
Cybersecurity
Cybercrime and online extortion can occur in Sierra Leone.
Cybercriminals can compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal personal data or credit information.
- Use secure public Wi-Fi networks
- Be cautious when posting information or photos on social media
- Keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam if you go to meet an online acquaintance in person
- Be wary of unsolicited emails offering attractive business opportunities
- Don't click on suspicious links that ask for your banking information in an e-mail or text message
Credit card and ATM fraud
Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs sometimes.
When using your debit or credit card:
- cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
- pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
- avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
- use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
- check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
Tourist facilities
Tourist facilities are extremely limited and availability may be reduced during the holiday season. When possible, check the level of security at hotels, lodges or any other type of accommodation before booking your stay.
In remote regions, tourist facilities are almost non-existent.
If you are planning a trip outside Freetown:
- plan your trip in advance
- keep a supply of water, food, fuel and an emergency kit on hand
- bring a cell phone, charger and local emergency numbers
- make sure to have sufficient cash
- use a reputable tour operator
Public transportation
Public transportation services are limited and not reliable.
You should avoid using public transportation.
Transportation between Lungi International Airport and Freetown
Local transportation services between Lungi International Airport and Freetown are available by:
- land
- ferryboat
- helicopter
- speed boat
None of those options are risk-free, and the risk increases after dark.
If you choose to use public transportation to and from the airport:
- plan to land early enough in the day so that you can arrive at your destination before nightfall
- arrange for transportation prior to arrival, reputable hotels often offer shuttle services from the boat dock to the hotel
- only use reputable taxi companies, including water taxi operators
- avoid using unregulated or unauthorized boats
- avoid using water transportation during rough seas
- be aware of your surroundings if you use the ferry, as there are reports of pickpocketing
Telecommunications
The telecommunications network can be unreliable, especially in remote areas.
Shortages
Water and fuel shortages occur occasionally.
- Keep a supply of water, fuel and an emergency kit on hand
- Monitor local media for the latest information
Power outages
Power outages occur regularly throughout the country, including in Freetown.
Power outages often impact essential services, such as:
- the public water supply
- telecommunications
Water activities
Ocean currents along the coast are powerful and dangerous. There are no rescue services.
Swimming
Beaches are generally unsupervised. Several drownings occur every year. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
Entry and exit requirements
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Sierra Leonean authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid upon entry.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
If you are travelling to Sierra Leone for tourism or business, you can either:
- apply for an e-visa before arrival
- get a visa on arrival
For other purposes, or for a multi-entry visa, you must be in possession of a visa before arrival.
You must pay an airport security fee prior to your arrival or departure. Payment can be made at the airport or online.
Useful links:
- eVisa application – Sierra Leone Immigration Service
- Airport security fee payment – Government of Sierra Leone
Children and travel
Learn more about travelling with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
Relevant Travel Health Notices
- Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
- COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
- Polio: Advice for travellers - 20 August, 2024
This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.
Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.
Routine vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.
Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Pre-travel vaccines and medications
You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.
Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers from all countries.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is recommended.
- Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of their trip to arrange for vaccination.
- Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.
Malaria
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.
Malaria is a risk to travellers to this destination.
Antimalarial medication is recommended for most travellers to this destination and should be taken as recommended. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:
- Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
- Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
- Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
- Wear permethrin-treated clothing.
If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living.
Rabies
In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.
If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.
Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).
Polio
Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country.
Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.
Recommendations:
- Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
- One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.
Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.
Safe food and water precautions
Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.
- Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
- Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
- Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.
Cholera
Risk
Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.
To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions.
Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:
- visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
- visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring
Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.
Travellers' diarrhea
Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Schistosomiasis
There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and rural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.
Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.
Insect bite prevention
Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:
- Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
- Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
- Minimize exposure to insects
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed
To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.
Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.
Chikungunya
There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:
- season
- year
- region
- elevation
The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.
Learn more:
Dengue
- In this country, risk of dengue is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
- Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
- The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.
Animal precautions
Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.
Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.
Lassa fever
Lassa fever is a risk in this country.
Lassa fever is caused by a virus carried by rodents. Humans get sick when they inhale or come into close contact with feces, saliva, or urine of infected rodents or the blood or bodily fluids of infected humans.
Lassa virus can be very serious. Avoid rodents and rodent-infested areas.
Mpox
Mpox (monkeypox) is a risk in this country. It is a viral disease that can cause serious illness in some circumstances. Risk is generally low for most travellers.
Mpox spreads in 3 ways:
- from animals to humans through direct contact or by eating or preparing undercooked meat of infected animals or coming into contact with an infected animal's body fluids
- from person to person through close contact, including direct contact with the skin lesions, blood, body fluids, or mucosal surfaces (such as eyes, mouth, throat, genitalia, anus, or rectum) of an infected person
- through direct contact with contaminated objects such as bedding and towels, or by sharing personal objects used by an infected person
Follow recommended public health measures and avoid contact with animals such as rodents and primates to help prevent getting or spreading the infection.
Person-to-person infections
Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:
- washing your hands often
- avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
- avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.
Medical services and facilities
Medical facilities are extremely limited and only offer basic services.
Ambulance services are available, but access could be limited.
In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation will be necessary. Medical transport is very expensive and payment is often required up front.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Health and safety outside Canada
Medication
Some prescription medication may not be available in Sierra Leone.
If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.
- Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
- Always keep your medication in the original container
- Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
- Carry a copy of your prescriptions
Laws and culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect a jail sentence and a heavy fine.
Precious minerals
Mineral import and export of gold, diamonds and other precious natural resources are subject to strict regulations. You need a licence issued by the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources to export precious minerals. There are reports of fraud related to exporting diamonds and precious metals, including fake certificates of export.
Individuals who commit offences may face prosecution, and penalties including imprisonment. Seek legal advice before engaging in commercial transactions involving precious minerals.
Photography
Photography of military installations or government buildings is prohibited, including:
- military sites
- airports
- government buildings
- bridges
These restrictions are strictly enforced. If in doubt, do not take pictures.
2SLGBTQI+ persons
Sierra Leonean law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted may face up to life imprisonment and possibly a fine.
2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Sierra Leone.
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
Driving
You must carry an international driving permit to drive in Sierra Leone.
Carry your identification and vehicle documents with you.
If you have an accident and injure someone, take the person directly to the hospital. If witnesses to the accident react with hostility, go immediately to the nearest police station.
Dress and behaviour
To avoid offending local sensitivities:
- dress conservatively
- behave discreetly
- respect religious and social traditions
- seek permission from locals before photographing them
Ramadan
In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.
In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:
- drinking
- eating
- smoking
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Sierra Leone.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Sierra Leone, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
International Child Abduction
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Sierra Leone.
If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Sierra Leone by an abducting parent:
- act as quickly as you can
- consult a lawyer in Canada and in Sierra Leone to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
- report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.
Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
Useful links
- International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
- Children and travel
- Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
- Request emergency assistance
Money
The currency is the leone (SLL).
Sierra Leone is cash-based economy. Strict rules limit the import of foreign currency in the form of cash. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted.
There are very few ATMs in Freetown. You should exchange foreign currency at banks or official foreign exchange offices only. The U.S. dollar and the Euro are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Natural disasters and climate
Climate change
Climate change is affecting Sierra Leone. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation
Rainy seaon
The rainy season extends from May to November. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged.
- Monitor local media for the latest updates, including road conditions and weather reports
- Stay away from flooded areas
- Follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders
Need help?
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 112
- medical assistance: 999
- firefighters: 033 / 300 / 301
Consular assistance
Freetown - Honorary consul of Canada
Accra - High Commission of Canada
Sierra Leone, Togo
Appointment Book your appointment onlineFor emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Ghana, in Accra, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
Disclaimer
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.
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